Hannibal Sneak Peek Shows This Season's Psychological Battles

"Did you just smell me?" Probably not the scariest or most inspired quote from the new Hannibal preview but one that still offers an insightful look at the Odd Couple-esque leads' developing relationship as well as references one of the most famous perceptive tools of Thomas Harris' iconic villain. Do you think it's the cheap aftershave with the ship on the bottle? Or does he sometimes wear L'Air du Temps?

Okay. You caught me. So, I've seen the films a few times. And read the books, however, it doesn't take an 'avid fan' to remember that the good doctor had a great sense of smell (those first exchanges with Clarice in Silence of the Lambs), just one of the many almost supernatural abilities that makes Hannibal Lecter such a scary villain. He's like Sherlock Holmes except he doesn't want to just solve the crimes as much as, well, eat the rude.

Let's get back to the 'season sneak peek' because it's a juicy one that hints at some more tantalizing action and interesting character dynamics, as well as our first look at many of the upcoming guest stars. It's hard to choose which is the most exciting with Eddie Izzard's villain, Anna Chlumsky's victim (?!?) and Gillian Anderson's psychiatrist all on display. As odd as it may sound, Mads Mikkelsen's suave sadist sitting with his shrink, especially since it's Anderson, might be even more exciting than Izzard sneaking up on Caroline Dhavernas' Dr. Bloom or Hannibal getting the jump on Chlumsky's FBI trainee.

Mikkelsen is truly wonderful and somehow manages to provide an original take on the character that's already almost as memorable as his predecessors (Brian Cox and Sir Anthony Hopkins), just one of the many aspects of the premiere Kelly praised in her review. Of course, it's no surprise that the talented Bryan Fuller (and his equally talented cast, which also includes standout Hugh Dancy as the psychiatrist's better half) was able to craft a unique interpretation of "Red Dragon," especially after seeing his Munsters remake Mockingbird Lane. Didn't see it?